NCAA Football 09: Rockin' the Mini-games

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Take a break from Dynasty Mode to try out some bite-sized games.

By Hilary Goldstein

NCAA Football 09 brings back the modes we're certain to devote a lot of time towards. There's a new Dynasty Mode (and even Dynasty online) and a re-vamped version of Campus Legend. But for those who want just a little nibble, there are also five mini-games. Some are old, some are new.

We figured we might as well show all five (Horse, Special Teams Challenge, Tug-Of-War, Bowling and Option Dash), because any excuse to show video of NCAA 09 in action is a good one.

HORSE

As we all know, football is about the kicker. He's what matters most. And now you get to prove that you're a better kicker than your buddy. You set the distance, location, and wind for your kick. This can be to any extreme. So you want to make a 40-yard field goal from the edge of the sideline in 30mph wind? Go for it. Make a kick and your opponent must match it. If he misses, he snags a letter. This goes back and forth until someone spells out H-O-R-S-E.

Special Teams Challenge

Only special teams count here. One team kicks off to the other, who tries to run the ball for a TD. If your opponent is stopped, then they can either punt or attempt a field goal from the spot of the tackle. This goes back and forth until someone either takes a punt to the house or makes a field goal.

Tug-of-War

You begin at midfield with opponents swapping turns trying to score. The line of scrimmage shifts to the deadball. The first to score wins.

Bowling

You have 10 frames and you begin each from the 10-yard line. You have two shots to score with each yard you gain counting like a pin being knocked down. Get a TD on the first down of a frame and it's a strike. Get one on the second down and it's a spare.

Option Dash

Here's a great drill to help you practice the option. You have two minutes to score as many points as possible and only one play call available. Keep running the option and earn points for a successful pitch, for breaking tackles and juking linebackers and (of course) for getting six.